Lotus Yoga Dublin. Your space in the heart of the city.

Why not join one of our Pilates Classes, now 3 times a week - Monday lunchtime with Adele and Thursday lunchtime with Lena and Friday evening with Lena. All classes cater for beginers as well as intermediate levels and are very well priced from as little as é10 per class. See our schedule for specific times and cost of classes.

Special Offers / Kundalini Yoga Gift Vouchers

Kundalini Yoga classes on 13th and 20th Dec , 2 classes for €30 and 1 class for €16

Also Christmas vouchers for Kundalini Yoga classes in 2011 available in any of the following prices:

 

Lotus Yoga Gift Vouchers.  

 

We offer a range of gift ideas from Christmas Gift Vouchers for one off classes upto 8 week courses, yoga mats and carry bags. All classes are suitable for complete beginers.

To order your Gift Voucher, simply email us at or telephone us at 085 1450880 where we can put together a voucher to suit you and post it out to you.

Special Offers / Kundalini Yoga Gift Vouchers

Kundalini Yoga classes on 13th and 20th Dec , 2 classes for €30 and 1 class for €16

Also Christmas vouchers for Kundalini Yoga classes in 2011 available in any of the following prices:

No. of classes        Price

8                         €100
7                         €90
6                         €75
5                         €65
4                         €55
3                         €45
2                         €30
1                         €18

It's business as usual at Lotus Yoga, as far as possible! All classes are going ahead during the current cold snap . Students are advised to phone the teacher before they make the journey, just in case - contact details below.

Also, for students who booked and paid for 7/8 week courses and missed classes due to poor weather conditions, you can attend other classes as 'make up classes' upto end of current coarse before Christmas. - please contact the teacher in advance to book your place.  

Description of the Kundalini Yoga class for Participants in the Fastival

No matter what your motivation for fasting is it is a cleansing process. A kriya is a sequence of postures that have been carefully designed to have a predictable effect on the practitioner. The kriya I will teach to people that are fasting will support the cleansing process they are going through.
The kriya is called "Detoxification". We detoxify continuously throughout life. We process food, thoughts and all forms of energy. When that flow is continuous and clear we are steady and flexible. The trouble is that we accumulate more than we can process. We become weighed down under the ash of metabolism and the remnants of old emotions. This kriya systematically moves the energy of the body and mind to keep you light and vitalised.

The complimentary meditation is called "Cleanse the Bloodstream". Yogi Bhajan who originally taught this kriya and meditation said that we should "Live like a God. Give like an angel. Be bright, beautiful, bountiful human beings".

James Madden
086-8193075

Yoga Mats.

The favoured yoga mats of the ancient yogi were the skin of the tiger. Thankfully for us, and for tigers, times have changed.

Why do I need one?

Try the ‘downward dog pose' on a shiny polished floor!. Yoga mats give a non-slip surface and protect against cold and hard floors, ensuring your comfort and safety. For hygiene reasons, it is better to have your own even though many studios and gyms rent / loan them out. In a class, your mat is your personal space. Owning your own mat offers many advantages, and the knowledge that you can unroll your mat at any time can encourage you to do yoga more often - at home, on holiday or whenever the mood takes you. It may encourage and help you to develop and deepen your practice.

When buying a yoga mat, pick one that allows your hand and feet to sink lightly into the surface, where it stays firm without slipping. Also pick a size suited for your body. You may also need to try a few mats before you can locate the best yoga mat for you.

Selecting a yoga mat.

There are many types of mats on the market today to suit you depending where you are on the yoga ladder, your eco- conscious and your budget.

Sticky Yoga Mats
If you're new to yoga try the 4mm sticky mat. They give excellent grip where you feel secure. They are a popular and affordable choice among yogis at every level.

Advanced yogis or those with sensitive elbows and knees will appreciate the added comfort try the thicker 6mm mat. Thicker Yoga Mats challenge the advanced Yogi in balancing postures, as they give extra space between your feet and the ground.

Also there is a new eco yoga mat available and made from recently developed and patented TPE (Thermal Plastic Elastomer) foam. The mats contain no latex, PVC or rubber.

For the eco-warrior, there's the biodegradable yoga mat made of Natural Flax or with Jute, made entirely from biodegradable materials of natural flax, cotton and rubber.

For people practicing Bikram yoga or hot yoga, there are special mats that absorb sweat and moisture. Another factor to consider is the ease of cleaning and maintenance. You can clean most of these mats with water and soap. Wash them to keep them clean.

If you travel a lot, there are light weight yoga mats weighing as little as 1.0kg.

Mats are also available depending on the style practiced - there are enhanced cushioned mats for Pilates and heavy dense mats for Ashtanga Yoga.

For the traditionalist, there's the cotton mat comprising of cotton cover stuffed with cotton batting.

Generally, yoga mats vary according to cushioning / impact absorption and traction / grip,

Things to consider

When ordering a mat, these are the things you should look out for;

Name:            Yoga mat " Jute Pro"
Description:   The Bodhi Jute mat Pro adds a new professional Yoga mat to the growing demand of environmentally friendly yoga products. The Jute mat Pro is a professional Yoga mat with a natural feel and traction. The mat allows asanas (exercises) in a natural flow and at the same time gives you stability and safety with its superior grip. It's recommended for all Yoga styles and it's an excellent choice for your Power (Vinyasa) and Bikram Yoga but also other demanding Yoga styles. Jute is a natural fiber plant grown primarily in India, Bangladesh and China. A highly versatile fibre, jute combines breathability with high tensile strength, making our Bodhi Jute mat Pro the perfect balance of durability and comfort. Our mat features a non-slip backing of PER, an eco-friendly material that contains no formaldehyde or heavy metals and is static free. Please enjoy your yoga exercises.
Tests / Standards:   Mats are tested according to ÖKO TEX standard 100 P1 (baby articles)
Colours:                  beige, olive, blue and pink
Size:                      183x60cm, 4mm
Weight:                  1.7Kg
Thickness:              4mm
Cost:                      €24.90

Where can I get a mat?

In Dublin, Joy-Fountain stock a large selection of yoga apparel and equipment, including mats, blocks, bolsters, etc. They are located in The Royal Hibernian Way just off Grafton Street in the city centre. Web http://www.joy-fountain.ie/yoga-equipment email

Concern, the Irish Aid agency is once again organising its nationwide fast to raise vital funds (over €1 million each year!) for its valuable work worldwide.

Although it is still a 24 hour fast, Concern want to inject some new life into it, and this year it will take the form of a 24 hour Fastival which will be 24 hours of fun, friends and fundraising.

As part of this Concern are programming events in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway on 25th November which will take place during the day and evening including live music, comedy, workshops etc

Lotus Yoga are participating in this yers event by offering free classes to 'Fasters' options of attending 3 yoga classes throughout the day (Thursday - 25th)

The idea of the Fastival is that people who are taking part in the Fast can go to the events that we have on for free. 'Fasters' should register for the classes by emailing Concern - spaces are limited

If people who are not fasting would like to go to the class, we'd ask that they make some donation to Concern instead.

Yoga 'Fastival' Classes.

Early Bird Yoga -7.30-8.45am Hatha Yoga with Elena

Lunchtime - 1.00-1.45pm Ashtanga Yoga with Michael

Early Evening - 4.45-5.45pm Kundalini Yoga with James - read more on James' class 

Yoga mat usage during the 'Fastival' classes are free. 

Joy-Fountain gift shop (specialist yoga equipment stockist) will offer spot prizes during each class.

By: Anthony Kearney

Date: Saturday, 24:10:2009

Time: 10am-1.00pm

Cost: by donation (suggested donation - 25 Euro)

Anthony Kearney has been practicing yoya and buddhist meditation for more then twenty years now, and teaching for over twelve. Anthony teaches Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga and in recent years he has been studying with Manju Jois, Pattabhi Jois’ son and Nanncy Gilgoff , who is one of his oldest students.

Anthony says “i find the combination of Ashtanga and meditation make a lovely form of yoga, so when I practice or teach, I like to encourage awareness, watching the breath, no competition, no where to get to, quieten the mind, be still, even in your movement”.

About Anthony’s workshop.

In this workshop, we will use the asthanga practice to investigate the use of weight, gravity and balance, how it helps and how it can hinder. The advantage in letting our weight release to gravity finding balance in our postures and our effort, moving with ease, listening to our body, paying attention to our breath, being aware of internal body and external body and to remember to stop holding and release your weight. This workshop is for anyone who is interested in investigating yoga on a deeper level and turning their yoga {asana} practice in to a form of meditation.

Here are my tips to help make Tai Chi a fun and regular part of your life:

1) Pick a time that suits you. Just 15 minutes that is yours alone every day. For many of us the best time is first thing in the morning but other good times are lunch time, after work or last thing at night. 15 minutes are not much - about the same time as a cup of coffee. For those 15 minutes forget about everything except your Tai Chi, you can solve the world's problems after you finish.
2) Find somewhere where you can practice. Back gardens, parks, living rooms, kitchens or bedrooms are good places. Somewhere with as much space, light and fresh air as possible is best. Don't worry if you only have a small space, just reposition yourself when you need to.
3) Try and practice in the same place at the same time everyday. After a while your energy will harmonize with the place and you will find it increasingly easy to relax in your place at your time.
4) If you miss your time then don't worry about it - just do your 15 minutes Tai Chi as soon as you can. If you are away/travelling then don't worry just do your 15 minutes wherever you can.
5) Don't worry or give up if/when you miss a day. This can and does happen to everyone. Tomorrow is a new day so wake up, smile and practice. Let go of past failures, they are meaningless. If you want to do your Tai Chi today then you will.
6) When you practice be happy and proud of yourself. You don't have to do it perfectly. If you can't remember parts or your mind won't settle then that is fine, just keep going. Ask your teacher about it when you can. Do what you can and relax and enjoy the feeling of doing something for you. This is your time and space and you body, mind and spirit are free to enjoy it.
7) Smile as you do your Tai Chi and everything will feel better.

And enjoy, Mark from Lotus Yoga

Prenatal Yoga with Paula

Every Thursday

1-2pm

How Yoga during Pregnancy Can Benefit You

Yoga is a great way to ‘train’ for the marathon that is childbirth and motherhood!  It offers women many physical and emotional health benefits during pregnancy.  Gentle movement, relaxation and breath work will help you develop the skills necessary to cope with the demands of labour. 

Courses include: Gentle stretching, toning and strengthening movements to improve posture, balance and stamina.  This may benefit those with back pain.  The relaxation and breathing techniques allow you to conserve energy and help you cope with the possible side effects of pregnancy, eg, nausea, tiredness.

Course handouts will be given in week 3 which will help you practice at home.  

For more information, please visit www.pregnancyyogadublin.ie